Top 15 Best BJJ Coaches in the U.S.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has taken off in the United States over the last few decades, with practitioners of all levels training to improve their skills.
However, the success of a BJJ athlete often depends on the guidance and expertise of a great coach. Whether you’re a beginner or aiming for competition, having an experienced and supportive coach can make a huge difference in your BJJ journey.
Here’s a look at some of the best BJJ coaches in the U.S., each known for their skill, dedication, and unique teaching styles.
1. John Danaher
Rank: 6th degree black belt under Renzo Gracie
John Danaher, originally from New Zealand, has become one of the most respected BJJ coaches in the U.S. Based in New York, he teaches at Renzo Gracie Academy and has produced many successful grapplers, including stars like Gordon Ryan and Garry Tonon.
Danaher is known for his deep understanding of technique and for developing a highly systematic approach to teaching BJJ. His focus on leg locks and submission strategies has revolutionized the sport, especially in no-gi competitions.
Danaher’s analytical style and innovative techniques make him a go-to coach for grapplers aiming to compete at the highest levels.
2. Andre Galvao
Rank: 4th degree black belt
Andre Galvao is a world-renowned BJJ coach and co-founder of Atos Jiu-Jitsu in San Diego, California. Galvao is a multiple-time world champion and has trained many successful athletes, including world champions like Keenan Cornelius and the Ruotolo brothers.
Known for his high-energy and motivating teaching style, Galvao pushes his students to reach their full potential.
Galvao’s school is famous for its competitive edge, and his methods emphasize hard work, discipline, and aggressive but technical grappling. His influence on the sport and his dedication to his students have made Atos one of the top BJJ academies in the country.
3. Rafael Lovato Jr.
Rank: 4th degree black belt
Based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Rafael Lovato Jr. is one of the most accomplished American-born BJJ practitioners and coaches. He is an IBJJF world champion and has an impressive MMA record, making him a versatile and well-rounded coach.
Lovato Jr. has his own academy, Lovato’s School of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he trains students of all levels.
Lovato’s coaching style emphasizes both mental and physical preparation, encouraging students to build resilience and confidence. His technical knowledge and well-rounded approach make him a respected figure in the BJJ community, and his success in MMA has inspired many students looking to compete in both BJJ and mixed martial arts.
4. Caio Terra
Rank: 4th degree black belt
Caio Terra is a 12-time world champion who brings a unique perspective to BJJ coaching. Terra’s academy, Caio Terra Academy, is located in San Jose, California, and has gained a reputation for its friendly, inclusive atmosphere.
Terra is a strong advocate of technique over strength, often reminding students that technique can prevail regardless of size or strength.
Terra’s passion for teaching beginners and his approachable style make him a popular coach for new practitioners. At the same time, his competitive accomplishments and technical skills make him a valuable coach for advanced athletes as well.
His philosophy of “technique conquers all” has inspired a generation of BJJ athletes.
5. Marcelo Garcia
Rank: 4th degree black belt under Fabio Gurgel
Marcelo Garcia, often regarded as one of the greatest grapplers of all time, coaches out of Marcelo Garcia Academy in New York City. Known for his friendly, humble demeanor, Garcia has won multiple ADCC titles and world championships. His gym attracts athletes from all over the world, drawn by his creative and highly effective style.
Garcia specializes in butterfly guard and submissions, and his coaching emphasizes fluidity, technique, and adaptability. His open-minded approach and kindness make him not only a top-tier coach but also a mentor who inspires his students to develop both their skills and character.
6. Fabio Santos
Rank: 7th degree red and black Coral belt
Fabio Santos, one of the first BJJ black belts to teach in the United States, has been a pioneer in spreading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu across the country. Based in San Diego, Santos has over 30 years of experience and runs Fabio Santos Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy.
He is known for his adherence to traditional BJJ principles, focusing on self-defense and discipline.
Santos’s commitment to traditional methods makes his academy a popular place for practitioners who want to understand the roots of BJJ. His students appreciate his wealth of knowledge and his respect for the art’s history, making him one of the most respected coaches in the U.S.
7. Eddie Bravo
Rank: 4th degree black belt
Eddie Bravo is the founder of 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu, an innovative no-gi BJJ system that has gained a massive following. Bravo’s gym, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, emphasizes flexibility, unconventional techniques, and creativity.
Bravo himself is known for his signature moves, like the “rubber guard” and the “twister,” which have challenged traditional BJJ norms.
Bravo’s unique approach has attracted athletes who want to experiment with different styles, especially those who focus on no-gi competitions and of course, MMA fighting. His willingness to think outside the box and his dedication to evolving BJJ make him a favorite among students who want to break from tradition.
8. Tom DeBlass
Rank: 3rd degree black belt
Tom DeBlass, a respected BJJ black belt and MMA fighter, coaches out of Ocean County Jiu-Jitsu in New Jersey. Unlike many other coaches, DeBlass has developed a large following due to his straightforward teaching and focus on fundamentals. He trains students of all levels, from beginners to high-level competitors.
DeBlass’s coaching emphasizes mental strength, discipline, and the importance of persistence. This makes him a favorite for students who value character development as much as skill. His academy has produced many successful athletes, and his open approach to teaching has earned him respect throughout the BJJ community.
9. Renzo Gracie
Rank: 7th degree coral belt
Renzo Gracie, a member of the legendary Gracie family, has one of the most storied BJJ academies in the U.S., based in New York City. Renzo’s influence on the sport goes beyond his coaching; he’s a true ambassador of BJJ, promoting it in both the U.S. and internationally. Known for his engaging personality and deep knowledge, Gracie has coached numerous champions and inspired countless practitioners.
His teaching style focuses on the art’s traditional techniques while encouraging innovation. Gracie’s academy has become a hub for grapplers who want to immerse themselves in authentic BJJ culture, and his mentorship has left a lasting mark on the BJJ community.
10. Draculino (Vinicius Magalhaes)
Rank: 6th degree black belt
Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes, a highly respected BJJ black belt, runs Gracie Barra Texas in Houston. Draculino is known for his technical expertise and his passion for teaching both kids and adults. With decades of experience, he has trained numerous black belts and champions, helping students reach their full potential in both BJJ and personal development.
Draculino’s positive energy and attention to detail make his classes enjoyable and productive. His students appreciate his ability to break down complex techniques in a way that’s accessible for all levels. Draculino’s dedication to his students’ growth, both on and off the mat, has solidified his reputation as one of the best BJJ coaches in the U.S.
11. Cesar Gracie
Rank: black belt
Cesar Gracie, based in California, is known for coaching some of MMA’s biggest names, including the Diaz brothers. Gracie’s academy combines traditional BJJ with a focus on practical techniques for MMA, making it a go-to for fighters. His direct and disciplined style attracts both BJJ athletes and mixed martial artists.
12. Guilherme and Rafael Mendes
Rank: 3rd degree black belts under Ramon Lemos
Guilherme and Rafael Mendes, also known as “The Mendes Brothers,” are head coaches at Art of Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Costa Mesa, California. The Mendes brothers are widely known for their technical approach to BJJ, with an emphasis on innovative guard techniques.
They’ve won multiple world championships and have a reputation for being excellent mentors, especially to younger athletes.
13. Jean Jacques Machado
Rank: 7th degree red and black belt
Jean Jacques Machado, a member of the famed Machado family, runs an academy in Los Angeles, California. Born with a congenital hand defect, Machado adapted his techniques to become one of the most skilled grapplers in the world.
His teaching style emphasizes adaptability, fluidity, and a deeper connection to the art of BJJ. Machado’s personal resilience has inspired countless students, including the famous podcaster, Joe Rogan.
14. Rickson Gracie
Rank: red belt
Rickson Gracie, a legendary figure in BJJ, has a significant influence on the sport despite not having a permanent academy in the U.S. He conducts seminars around the country, focusing on the principles and philosophy behind BJJ.
Known for his breathing techniques and holistic approach, Rickson Gracie teaches students to connect mind and body. His profound knowledge and personal discipline make his seminars invaluable to practitioners.
15. Rener Gracie
Rank: 5th degree black belt
Rener Gracie, co-founder of Gracie University, has become known for popularizing self-defense-focused BJJ. Based in Torrance, California, Gracie University offers both in-person and online instruction, bringing BJJ to thousands of students worldwide. Rener’s teaching emphasizes the practical applications of BJJ for self-defense, and his engaging, energetic style has made him a well-known figure in the BJJ world.
16. Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes
Rank: 6th degree black belt
Vinicius “Draculino” Magalhaes, a highly respected BJJ black belt, runs Gracie Barra Texas in Houston. Known for his detailed, encouraging teaching style, Draculino has trained many champions and is beloved by students for his dedication to their personal and technical development.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just starting out in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or looking to compete at the highest levels, the right coach can make all the difference. These fifteen coaches have made a lasting impact on the BJJ scene in the U.S., each bringing unique teaching styles, techniques, and philosophies to the mat.
From legends like Renzo Gracie and Marcelo Garcia to innovators like Eddie Bravo, these coaches represent the best of what BJJ has to offer. With their guidance, students learn not only how to grapple but also valuable life skills that go far beyond the dojo.
